Our Story: Molecular Stethoscope

Genomic Testing Arms us with Information

The development of genomic measurement technologies and reference databases such as the Human Genome Project (2000) has enabled the use of blood to reliably obtain genetic information.

Based on this, Dr. Stephen Quake (Molecular Stethoscope co-founder) developed the first non-invasive prenatal test for Down syndrome and other aneuploidies (presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell). Dr. Quake’s work has led to the explosive growth in non-invasive prenatal testing based on DNA. Many other areas of non-invasive testing have also been enabled by his approach, including tests for cancer, infectious disease and organ transplant health.

RNA Tells a Tissue-Specific Story

Taking these findings further, Dr. Quake’s lab performed a genome-wide analysis of circulating cell-free RNA and showed that tissue-specific signatures from all of the major organs can be monitored in blood.

Dr. Eric Topol’s group (Molecular Stethoscope co-founder) showed that related blood-based RNA measurements can be used to predict imminent occurrence of a heart attack. Together, these discoveries created the foundation of Molecular Stethoscope’s approach and technology.

Molecular Stethoscope is now taking these groundbreaking insights and applying them to patient health.

The Company has developed clinically actionable tests that analyze organ-specific circulating (or cell-free) RNA in blood that will provide early detection and disease monitoring in critical and often hard-to-detect areas, including: